Those who are passionate about learning know that education is the lifeblood of our nation's future.
In order to support initiatives that propel students to be future leaders, independent schools need a backbone of effective fundraisers dedicated to ensuring each school's continued success. If you have experience working in development or advancement and you, too, are passionate about education, then a career as a development or advancement officer at an independent school might be the next step in your path.
Development and Advancement Jobs at Independent Schools
Development and advancement officers occupy a dual space in their schools. They exist simultaneously within the school and outside it: they are members of a tight-knit school environment, and they act as the faces and voices of the school in its external interactions.
Department members — with titles including Director of Advancement, Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving, Director of Major Gifts, and Capital Campaign Director, among others — are experienced professionals. They must have their fingers on the pulse of the school so they can accurately provide reports to alumni and prospective donors.
Development officers should understand the intricacies of working in an independent school. They must be strong networkers who are knowledgeable about the independent school marketplace and environment.
Finding a Development and Advancement Job Through CS&A
The CS&A Development Placement Team personally places professionals in independent school advancement and development positions each year. A top-ranked placement firm, we also offer career counseling to professionals from the philanthropy, consulting, or non-profit worlds who are exploring the next state of their working lives.
We encourage you to apply for candidacy if your qualifications expressly include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Demonstrated experience in development, fundraising, or public relations
- Strong writing, organizational, interpersonal, and creative skills
- Knowledge of independent, private, boarding, college preparatory, and like-kind school culture and values
- Strong references that convey a track record of success in the fields of development, fundraising, or public relations
- Skills, talents, and flexibility for contributing to the school community in additional capacities (coaching sports, advising extracurricular activities, serving as a dorm parent at a boarding school)
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